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Land Rover Range Rover Sport a fast, agile SUV

If you can live without the sportier handling of its predecessor, you'll find the 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport worthy of the brand. Kelsey Mays says the luxury SUV carries the weight of its name while shedding the weight of its frame.
Cars.com

The all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport will be the fastest, most agile and responsive Land Rover ever. Developed alongside the 2013 Range Rover, the new Range Rover Sport delivers exceptional on-road dynamics with genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability. The technologically advanced Range Rover Sport presents an assertive and muscular exterior, luxurious interior, and the practical flexibility provided by the option of 5+2 third row seating for occasional use.

The all-new Range Rover Sport has been designed to capture the distinctive DNA of its predecessor, but with a bold evolution that places it at the heart of the three-model Range Rover portfolio, between the flagship Range Rover and the Range Rover Evoque.

The 2014 Range Rover Sport is just 2.5-inches longer than its predecessor. A wheelbase that's longer by seven inches yields greater room and improved access for rear passengers. The new 2014 Range Rover Sport is 5.9-inches shorter and 2.17-inches lower than the new 2013 Range Rover on which it is based. It weighs about 100 lbs. less than the Range Rover when similarly equipped.

New interpretations of classic Range Rover Sport design cues include the signature clamshell hood, floating roof, and side fender vents. The vehicle also features bold new versions of the powerful wheel arch design, horizontal body feature lines and distinctive rocker moldings; all are key elements of the model's strong design heritage. While retaining the powerful Range Rover Sport character, the front end has a modern, streamlined appearance, with its slimmer lights, rearward sloping grille and sculpted corners.

Offered in SE, HSE, Supercharged and Autobiography models, the all-new Range Rover Sport features a choice between a new 3.0L supercharged V6 engine and the formidable 5.0L supercharged V8 prime mover from the Range Rover Supercharged. Each is paired with an advanced ZF 8HP70 eight speed automatic transmission which delivers outstanding performance with immediate responses and a dynamic and connected character. Full-time intelligent 4WD is standard.

Featuring Land Rover's breakthrough suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies, the Range Rover Sport features an all-new aluminum unibody architecture to achieve a weight savings of approximately 800 lbs. This is opposed to the previous generation vehicle which featured an "Integrated body-frame," (a steel unibody mounted on a full frame chassis). This weight reduction transforms the vehicle's dynamic performance, enabling it to blend agile handling with exceptional comfort and to offer a unique mix of sporting luxury and a dynamic, engaging driving experience.

This new stiff and light structure is supported by all-new front and rear suspension systems, which are designed to deliver a much broader range of dynamic capabilities across all terrains. A new fully independent aluminum suspension is double isolated, with wide-spaced double-wishbones at the front and a multi-link layout at the rear. The system delivers impressive wheel travel - with 10.2-inches of front travel and 10.7-inches at the rear. With 21.5-inches of articulation, the suspension has the composure to deal with the toughest of conditions. An all-new steering system, four-corner air suspension, and the latest chassis and stability technologies - including upgraded Dynamic Response and Adaptive Dynamics systems - also contribute to the new vehicle's enhanced capability.

Inside the passenger cabin, the interior has a sophisticated and modern appearance, incorporating distinctive Range Rover Sport design cues and providing the driver with a luxurious and sporting cockpit. For the new model, the strong, architectural forms of the design have been enhanced by a cleaner, purer surface treatment, beautifully executed using premium materials.

The centerpiece of the cabin is the bold intersection between the instrument panel's strong horizontal elements and the center stack's vertical lines. The cockpit's dynamic character is enhanced by the faster angle of the center stack. Its satin chrome pillars flow from the instrument panel through into the rear cabin, and the aluminum accents flow from the center console into the dashboard fascia. The center console is mounted higher than before, positioning the controls closer to the driver and creating a cosseting feel for the front occupants. The smaller-diameter, thicker-rimmed steering wheel, vertical gear shifter and seats with generous side bolsters support the sporting ambience.

The front and rear seats feature a sculpted design with enhanced padding to the front, and individualized seating in the second row. Increased rear seat comfort is provided by improved rear legroom and shoulder-room, plus split rear seats and the option of powered third-row seats. The third row is designed for occasional use, and power-folds flat into the floor to preserve cargo versatility.

The 2014 Range Rover Sport was introduced at the New York Auto Show on March 26, 2013. (Photo: Land Rover)

2014 Range Rover Sport will have an optional auto-park, which fits the vehicle into parallel-parking spots with little help from the driver and, with the newest update, will "unpark" the vehicle and pull back into traffic. (Photo: Land Rover)